Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a prohibition or if he has plans to introduce a prohibition on the use of sulkies on national and county roads; and his views on whether the use of such sulkies particularly in races on public roads are a danger to other road users. [45518/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I share the Deputy's concern about sulky racing on public roads and the dangers created by it. Animal-drawn vehicles are bound by road traffic legislation, as are all vehicles used on public roads.  If used properly and in accordance with the legislation they should not pose a danger to other road users.  I do not believe that it would be proportionate to ban any particular category of vehicle from the roads  because some very reckless individuals have used them in ways which are illegal.   

It is of course a matter of concern when vehicles are used improperly.  In particular, there can be no question of using public roads for races with sulkies or any other kind of vehicle, except in circumstances where sections of public road are temporarily closed to regular traffic by the relevant authorities for the purposes of legitimate sporting events.  I am however satisfied that the Garda have sufficient power under current legislation to intervene in cases where people using sulkies, or any other kind of vehicle, are acting illegally, whether by racing or in any other way.